The INTERSPORT Elverys 2023 FAI Football Camps set a new record of participants since the camps began in 1997.

36,341 children took part in the 2023 Summer Soccer Schools run by the FAI and sponsored by Intersport Elverys this summer.

This represents a record number since the programme began back in 1997.

There were a total of 430 camps with almost 7000 female participants, representing another new record for the programme.

As well as the record number of participants, over 1,000 coaches helped deliver the camps across the country for children aged between 6-14 years of age which is designed for children of all ability levels to have fun outdoors in the summer months.

There were 11 girls only camps, 36 specialised goalkeeper camps and 11 Football for All camps, up by five on last year, as the FAI Football Camps continues to offer a range of different camps to cater for all.

To celebrate the success of this year’s camps, INTERSPORT Elverys are running a competition to be a mascot and play in a half-time exhibition match at the Aviva Stadium when Ireland welcome New Zealand in November.

“It’s been another fantastic year for the continued growth of the FAI Football Camps with a record number of participants in 2023,” said FAI Grassroots Director Ger McDermott.

“In the year of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, it has been brilliant to see so many young girls participate in this year’s camps where we had 11 girls only camps in operation around the country. We also increased our Football for All offering as we continue to make football as inclusive as possible for everyone.”

“I’d like to thank the FAI camps team, all of our Development Officers and staff for their hard work in managing the camps and helping achieve such high numbers as well as the crucial support of our sponsors INTERSPORT Elverys.”

“Intersport Elverys is proud to be the title sponsor of the FAI Football Camps, where we champion the values of inclusivity and accessibility in sports,” added the company’s Senior Marketing Manager Anne-Marie Hanly.

“We are committed to helping create a level playing field for all, ensuring children of all abilities have the opportunity to discover the joy of the beautiful game.”